According to a new survey, about half of the video game developers in UK prefer to self-publish games developed by them.

The survey showed that out of 47 percent game developers in UK who self-publish games, 67 percent release games for the Apple iPhone smartphone. Smartphones have now emerged as the single most popular gaming platform in the market.

The survey, whose findings were reported in the industry body TIGA’s State of the Development Sector Report, also showed that social networking platforms are a popular platform for self publishing games.

About 31% said they develop games for Facebook while 18 per cent reported that some of their staff members have gone abroad to work for other firms.

"There are distinct advantages for games developers which operate in countries where there are subsidies. They are able to attract greater global investment and this cements the need for tax breaks in the UK for game developers. It is interesting that we are seeing a large number of smaller developers emerge in the UK," said TIGA's CEO Dr Richard Wilson.